"David Zecchini's polished Northern Italian room in downtown Saratoga Springs, where house-made pasta and dry-aged steak anchor a special-occasion dinner."
About Chianti Il Ristorante
Chianti Il Ristorante sits at 18 Division Street, in The Lofts in downtown Saratoga Springs. It anchors part of our Saratoga Springs coverage and our Italian guide as the city's long-standing Northern Italian table.
Restaurateur David Zecchini opened Chianti in 1998 on South Broadway and rebuilt it from the ground up at its Division Street home in 2008. Executive chef Fabrizio Bazzani runs the kitchen, and the restaurant is the flagship of Zecchini's DZ Restaurants group.
The Kitchen
The cooking is authentic Northern Italian, built on house-made pasta, artisan breads and house-made sausage, with dry-aged steak and braised meats among the larger plates. Osso buco is a long-running menu fixture, and the kitchen leans on seasonal, locally sourced produce.
The wine list runs deep on Italian bottles, and main courses sit in the upper bracket for downtown Saratoga. It is a refined sit-down dinner rather than a casual trattoria.
The Room
The dining room is elegant and warm, set inside the purpose-built Lofts building Zecchini designed with his team. White tablecloths, low light and attentive service set the tone for a long dinner.
It draws a dressed-up crowd during the racing season, when downtown Saratoga fills. Book ahead in July and August around the Saratoga track meet.
Not for
Not for a quick casual bite or a tight budget — it is a full-service Northern Italian room with house-made pasta and an Italian wine list, priced for an occasion.
Frequently Asked
What is Chianti Il Ristorante known for?
Authentic Northern Italian cooking in downtown Saratoga Springs, led by executive chef Fabrizio Bazzani for restaurateur David Zecchini. House-made pasta, artisan breads, dry-aged steak and osso buco anchor the menu, paired with a deep Italian wine list.
Who owns Chianti?
Restaurateur David Zecchini, who opened it in 1998 and runs it as the flagship of his DZ Restaurants group. Executive chef Fabrizio Bazzani leads the kitchen.
Where is it?
At 18 Division Street, in The Lofts in downtown Saratoga Springs, a short walk from Broadway. Chianti moved to this purpose-built home in 2008.
How much does dinner cost?
Main courses land in the upper bracket for downtown Saratoga, with the Italian wine list adding to the bill. It is a special-occasion dinner rather than an everyday one.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are advised, especially in July and August during the Saratoga racing season when downtown fills.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Chianti Il Ristorante
Book ahead during the summer racing season. Find Chianti Il Ristorante at 18 Division Street in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs
NeighbourhoodDowntown, The Lofts
CuisineNorthern Italian
Opened1998; Division Street since 2008
OwnerDavid Zecchini (DZ Restaurants)
ChefFabrizio Bazzani, Executive Chef
ReservationAdvised
